Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 2:1

What does 2 Timothy 2:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 2:1 means

Paul urges Timothy to draw his strength from the supply of grace that is found in Christ Jesus, not from personality, experience, or sheer willpower. Grace is both pardon and power—God’s undeserved help to do what he commands. By calling Timothy “my child,” Paul speaks as a father in the faith, tenderly but firmly. Ministry requires endurance, and endurance requires a continual return to Christ as the source. Timothy is not asked to generate new resources, but to be fortified by what is already his in union with Christ. This command recognizes Timothy’s weakness and points him to sufficiency outside himself, so that he might serve without fear or pride.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So then, my child, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Thou, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that <FI>is<Fi> in Christ Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in Christ Jesus:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thou therefore, my child, be strong in the grace which [is] in Christ Jesus.

Context

After recalling in chapter 1 the need to guard the gospel and not be ashamed of Paul’s chains, Paul now turns to a series of direct imperatives. Verse 1 is the fountainhead: Timothy must find strength in Christ’s grace. This sets the tone for the whole chapter, which will call for endurance, careful teaching, and moral courage. Immediately after this grounding command, Paul will tell Timothy to entrust the truth to others (v.2) and to share in suffering (v.3), tying inner strengthening to outward faithfulness under pressure.

v.1This passage

v.2And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 3:18

    But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  • 1 Timothy 1:2

    unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

  • Ephesians 6:10

    Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13

    Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7

    For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

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